Man attacked, doused in lighter fluid

Authorities are questioning suspects after a man was reportedly attacked and doused with lighter fluid earlier this week.

According to Newton County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Lt. Tyrone Oliver, the man was staying at the home of a female friend. Monday night he heard a knock at the door and opened it to find two men standing outside. They immediately began hitting him, according to Oliver, knocking him to the ground.

The victim told investigators that the two men knocked him unconscious. When he came to, he noticed that his shirt was wet with lighter fluid and that the two men were pouring lighter fluid in various places throughout the house. He took off his shirt and ran out of the home and called authorities.

The man told investigators that his ex-wife believed he would be coming into a large amount of money on that day and he believed she had sent the two men to assault him and steal the money.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at (678) 625-5007 or online at www.newtonsheriffga.org. All tips can be given anonymously.